Vehicle Hotspot Module With Switchable Bands and Range Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current vehicle communication modules are limited to communicating only within the internal space and cannot establish connections with external user equipment (UE) located outside the vehicle.

Innovation Solution

The vehicle is equipped with a communication module that can adjust its communication range by switching between different frequency bands and adjusting the strength of radio waves, allowing it to provide a hotspot function both inside and outside the vehicle, using either 5 GHz or 2.4 GHz bands based on the selected use range.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If the communication module uses a fixed frequency band and transmission power, then the device complexity is reduced, but the communication range is limited to internal vehicle space only

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication rangeVSAvoidcommunication module complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The communication module dynamically adjusts transmission power and frequency band based on the selected use range (internal or external). When external communication is needed, the module increases transmission power and switches to appropriate frequency bands to extend communication range beyond the vehicle, while maintaining simpler operation for internal communications

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes communication parameters (frequency band and transmission power) according to the selected use range. The processor receives use range information and controls the communication module to adjust these parameters, enabling the same hardware to serve both internal and external communication needs effectively

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Area of stationary object

If the communication module transmits at high power to reach external devices, then the communication range is extended, but the energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication rangeVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The communication module uses dynamic transmission power adjustment based on the selected use range. For internal communications, it operates at lower power to conserve energy, while switching to higher power only when external communication is required, thus extending range only when necessary

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system applies transmission power appropriately matched to the communication need - using higher power than necessary for internal communication only when external communication is required, avoiding excessive energy consumption while still achieving the extended range capability when needed

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enables wireless communication with external UE, extending the communication range beyond the vehicle's internal space, improving user convenience and communication quality by adjusting radio wave strength and frequency based on the selected use range.

Implementation Method 1

a first transceiver configured to transmit and receive a signal using radio waves of a first frequency band

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRadio wave transmission: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP3174320B1Communication module, vehicle including the same, and method for controlling the vehicle
Publication Date: 2023.08.23 HYUNDAI MOTOR CO LTD

AI summary

A communication module includes: a first transceiver configured to transmit and receive a signal using radio waves of a first frequency band; a second transceiver configured to transmit and receive a signal using radio waves of a second frequency band; a selection unit configured to select one of the first transceiver and the second transceiver; a processor configured to receive a use range of a hotspot function when the hotspot function is selected and to control the selection unit to select one of the first transceiver and the second transceiver is selected; and a power adjustment unit configured to adjust power in such a manner that a strength of radio waves is adjusted according to the received use range.